Iron Man swaps mask for Dr Doom task

Marvel Studios returned to San Diego Comic-Con with dancing Deadpool variants and a choir for a panel that included news about the next two Avengers films and surprise guests, including Harrison Ford and Robert Downey Jr.

Downey is returning to Marvel's films, but not as Iron Man. He'll play the villain Victor Von Doom, or Doctor Doom, in at least one of the upcoming Avengers movies.

Downey kicked off Marvel's movie successes in Iron Man and played the popular character in nine films, but on Saturday he wore Dr Doom's mask and a green cloak. "New mask, same task," Downey said.

The Russo brothers, directing the movie, said his appearance in the film is proof of the unimaginable possibilities in the Marvel multi-universe.

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige kicked off the panel by saying that due to this weekend's success of Deadpool & Wolverine, the sprawling Marvel Cinematic Universe had now topped US$30 billion (HK$234 billion) in box-office earnings.

Deadpool & Wolverine has already broken one record and could shatter more.